Summary

RJ Harvey was drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Round 2, (pick 60) out of UCF. Harvey is a dynamic, high‑upside running back whose game is defined by shifty agility, excellent contact balance, and vision. He projects as a versatile back who can impact both the running and passing game, especially in schemes that create space for him to exploit with his change‑of‑direction and burst. His college production and draft placement reflect that many believe he can contribute early.

However, his physical limitations (size, build), combined with concerns around pass‑pro and true breakaway speed, mean he may not immediately operate as a full‑time workhorse back unless the offense is tailored to his strengths. He is likely to be most effective in a complementary role early, with upside to grow into a larger role.

Strengths

• Outstanding lateral agility & jump‑cut ability: Harvey has been repeatedly praised for his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces, thanks to excellent hip change, quickness, and burst. NFL Draft Buzz

• Low‑pad level and contact balance: Despite his smaller stature, he maintains low center of gravity, stays balanced through contact, and is difficult to bring down one‑on‑one. NFL Draft Buzz

• Excellent vision and patience as a runner: Given his background as a former quarterback at high school and Virginia, Harvey shows the ability to read blocks, choose cutback lanes, and set up blocks before accelerating. Black & Gold Banneret

• Receiving ability and versatility: He’s not just a traditional runner; scouts note his competency as a pass‑catcher out of the backfield, making him a three‑down asset in the right scheme. Bleacher Report

• Productive college track record: His recent seasons at UCF show high efficiency, strong yards per carry, and consistent chunk‑play generation. PlayerProfiler

Weaknesses

• Limited top‑end breakaway speed: While his acceleration and agility are strong, multiple evaluators cite that his “4th gear” or ability to separate definitively in the open field at the next level is not elite. On Tap Sports Net

• Pass protection and lead‑block limitations: As a smaller back and former QB‑to‑RB convert, his experience and effectiveness as a blocker or pass‑protect option are less proven, which may limit his early third‑down role. On Tap Sports Net

• Smaller frame for every‑down work: At 5′8″ / ~205 lbs, concerns exist about durability, durability under load, and ability to absorb the physical toll of an early‑down heavy workload in the NFL. Bleacher Report

• Patience vs. decisiveness in inside runs: Some evaluators note that he sometimes hesitates or bounces outside rather than hitting the hole decisively, which may limit his effectiveness in certain run‑schemes. On Tap Sports Net

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Harvey is best suited for an offense that uses multiple backs, leverages screen passes, motion, and misdirection, and emphasizes yards after contact and receiving value from the backfield. The Broncos, having selected him in Round 2, have invested in his versatility and saw him as a fit in their scheme. Mile High Report

• Outlook:

• Short‑Term: Expect Harvey to carve out a meaningful role as a rotational back and receiving back, perhaps splitting carries initially, while his pass‑pro and durability are tested.

• Medium‑Term: If his blocking improves, he stays healthy, and the offense leverages his receiving skills, he could emerge as a strong WR‑like back (think RB1 in a two‑back system) with significant upside.